Appraising the Welfare of Thoroughbred Racehorses in Training in Queensland, Australia: The Incidence, Risk Factors and Outcomes for Horses after Retirement from Racing.

ABSTRACT: There is international public concern regarding retirement of racehorses, including the reason for retirement and the outcome for horses after racing. However, there are currently no prospective studies investigating these factors. A recent independent inquiry in Queensland, Australia, highlighted that the true outcomes for horses after retirement from racing are largely unknown. Furthermore, there are currently no measures to monitor the outcome for racehorses and their welfare once they have left the care of the trainer. This study investigated these gaps in knowledge through a weekly survey conducted over a 13-month period. We aimed to evaluate: (1) the incidence of retirement, (2) the reasons and risk factors for retirement and (3) the medium-term (greater than 6 months) outcomes for h

SUBMITTER: Crawford KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7827103 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature